Bird-watching Tours in Gishwati-Mukura National Park: Gishwati-Mukura National Park is the newest national park in Rwanda that was established in 2015 after merging Gishwati and Mukura Forest. The main purpose for the establishment of the national park is to conserve a number of wildlife species that are found in both the forests though it is the smallest among the national parks in Rwanda with a total of 34 square kilometers, the park is a unique and diverse park that offers a fantastic opportunity for birdwatchers to explore and obverse a wide variety of birds species in their natural habitat. With its dense forest, rich vegetation and pristine streams, this park is a paradise for bird lovers. gishwati-mukura National Park is hone to over 200 bird species, including several rare and endangered species such as the Grauer’s Swamp Warbler and the blue turaco. Birdwatchers can also spot other colorful birds like the Rwenzori turaco, white-headed woodhoopoe and the African Rwenzori greenbul.
Birding in Gishwati-Mukura National Park can done throughout the year, however the park is always wet. Therefore, the best time to go birding in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is during the dry season that runs from June to August, and December to February when rains are less expected. This is also the best time for chimpanzee tracking and other park activities. Migratory birds are present from November to April. Birdwatching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is done in two sessions that’s to say morning and evening birding tours, these all begin with briefing. The briefing is done mainly to give a deep insight into the guidelines to be followed while searching for birds. Bird watchers are accompanied by experienced bird guide.
One of the ways to experience birdwatching in Gishwati-Mukura National Park is to take a guided nature walks with an experienced park guide or ranger. These rangers are knowledgeable about the park’s bird species and can help visitors identify and learn more about the birds they encounter along the way
Bird species found in Gishwati-Mukura National Park.
Black-throated Apalis, Angola Swallow, Hooded Vulture, Blue-spotted wood Dove, Mountain Buzzard, Hadada Ibis, Augur Buzzard, Tropical Boubou, Stuhlmann’s Starling, Blue-headed Sunbird, Western Citril, Strange Weaver, Black-crowned Waxbill, African Pipit, Cape Wagtail, Abyssinian Ground Thrush, Black Faced Apalis, Strange Weaver bird, Handsome Francolin, Rwenzori Turaco, Grauer’s Swamp Warblers, Regal Sunbird, Northern Double-collared Sunbird, Malachite Sunbird, Purple-breasted Sunbird, martial Eagle ,Lagden’s Bushshrike, dusky crimsonwing , Tawny Eagle, Black Cuckoo, Gray-headed kingfisher, Black-billed Turaco, Pied Crow, African Stonechat, Rwenzori Hill Babbler, White-browed Crombec, Tullberg’s Woodpecker, Black Goshawk ,Dusky-brown Flycatcher, Red-Throated Alethe, Rwenzori Batis, Grey Crowned Cranes, Mountain Yellow Warblers, Dusky Crimson wing, woodhoopoe, purple-breasted sunbird, among others.
Other activities to combine with birding in the Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Hiking: Explore the lush forests of Gishwati Mukura National Park on a guided hike and discover hidden waterfalls, scenic viewpoints, and diverse flora and fauna
Photography: Capturing stunning images of the park’s bird species as well as its breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, and a photography tour
Wildlife viewing: In addition to birdwatching, visitors have the chance to view other wildlife that makes the visitors park home such as chimpanzees, L’hoest’s monkey, golden monkeys, Mona monkey, black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, silver monkeys, baboons, duikers and even elusive leopards.
Nature walks: Nature walks are also another activity that you can combine with the birdwatching safari in the park. Nature walks is way you can explore the hidden gems of the park and its diverse ecosystems and offers you with the chance to learn more about the park’s plants and animals’ species as well as its conservation efforts.
Night safari: A Gishwati-Mukura National Park is one of the best destinations in Rwanda that offer the best night safaris to tourists. Visitors on a Rwanda safari in gishwati-mukura national park have the opportunity to embark on a night safari to spot nocturnal animals such as bushbabies, civets, and owls with the help of experienced guide.
Visit the waterfalls: There’s more that can also be discovered in Gishwati-Mukura National Park when you visit the kazaneza waterfalls that are situated in the middle of the park. the waterfalls offer rewarding views in the park that are worthy of photography, you can also take picnics while at the falls and also get to watch a number of primates that get to visit the falls to quench their thirst from the bottom of the falls.
What to pack for birding tour in Gishwati Mukura National Park
Are you ready for your birding safari in Gishwati Mukura National Park Rwanda? Check on what to pack for your birdwatching experience in Rwanda with Africa Adventure Vacations. These include the following;
- Binoculars for zooming small birds from a distance
- Good camera to enable you take as many photos as possible
- Field Clothes such the rain gear, gardening gloves, hiking boots/shoes among others. We strongly encourage birders to pack light, closed and waterproof shoes.
- Several toiletries like tissues, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, hair gels and sanitary wear for the case of women.
- Pack insect repellants to protect you from dangerous insect bites
- Extra batteries and power bank to avoid your gadgets from blacking out in the middle of the experience
- Several toiletries like tissues, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, hair gels and sanitary wear for the case of women.
Where to say on a birding safari in Gishwati-Mukura National Park
Tourists go to Rwanda for a birdwatching adventure particularly those interested in exploring gishwati-mukura national park may ask whether there are accommodations facilities where they can rest or sleep after a birdwatching excursion. Gishwati-mukura national park is relatively a new national [ark with limited accommodations facilities but the fact that the park is close to Nyungwe forest national park, travelers can co activities in gishwati-mukura national park and still stay around Nyungwe. the various accommodation facilities where you can stay range from budgets, mid-range to luxury accommodation, these includes Gishwati Lodge, Emeraude Kivu resort, Nyungwe Top View Hotel, Golden monkey hotels, Peace guest hotel, The Uwinka campsite, Gisakura Family Hostel, Comoran lodge and KCCEM guest house among others
